First look – The Revel makes a bold statement in Atlantic City

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    One of the more popular postings on this site was a piece on the newly opened Revel Resort in Atlantic City.

    Image courtesy of Revel.

    With that in mind, we paid a visit to the newly opened resort on the upper end of the boardwalk. It came after a bumpy ride down a street in need of resurfacing. Note to Gov. Chris Christie, get some asphalt down.
    As you might know, it took a deal with the state on New Jersey to restart construction on the Revel after the project fell victim to collapsing financial markets and a tough environment for the city’s gaming industry.
    Since the deal was hammered out, Atlantic City has seen new investments, a couple of new owners, an effort to clean up the boardwalk, a bigger tourism budget and less intense regulation of casinos.
    It remains a work in progress and the same can be said for the Revel, which will battle the negative perceptions about Atlantic City.
    Sadly, on the Monday after our visit, two tourists from Canada were stabbed to death on the boardwalk. While the bizarre incident in broad daylight was a long ways from the Revel, one Philadelphia paper was quick to mention the new resort in its story on the crime.
    Crowds were light, shortly after noon on the Saturday before the Revel’s grand opening weekend that will feature Beyonce. Management says the massive facility is undergoing a shakedown cruise of sorts and summer will be a better indicator of its success.
    As has been widely noted, the Revel is the first of the AC casino resorts to not ignore its beachfront location in an architectural sense. One can enjoy an ocean view just off the casino floor.
    The interior is aided by a smoking ban that has drawn fire from some casino players, but could turn out to be a competitive advantage.
    The ocean views are also a key feature of the hotel, which like the casino is being phased into operation.
    The casino appears to be spotless and well run. One of our friends visited the tables and reported that the dealer was a skilled industry veteran. He came away impressed with the Revel.
    Slots players will find plenty of variety, but don’t expect any free play unless you have one of those high roller cards from other casinos.
    While the casino is understated, it is designed so visitors are constantly exposed to slots and table games.
    Then we have the restaurants. On the casino floor, Iron Chef Jose
    Garces is the big gun, with versions of his three Philadelphia dining spots. Another Iron Chef, Mark Forgione has a place upstairs. Also on the casino floor is a burlesque club, which was quiet in the middle of the day. Many other restaurants, including a Belgian mussel bar also populate the Revel.
    It was a nice day and we did not linger at the Revel. We did make our way to the boardwalk via a long escalator. The trip down features spectacular views of the beach, well at least at some point.
    For now, cranes and other equipment are at work. We took a look back at the sleek exterior of the Revel and adjourned to a small seating area outside the House of Blues and The Showboat.
    A nice conversation with another couple was interrupted over and over by announcements over the casino’s loudspeakers.
    It was the old Atlantic City next to the new version.
    It will be interesting to see whether one changes the other. – Doug Rainey

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